Four years after his passing on July 11, 2021, due to complications arising from Angioimmunoblastic T-cell Lymphoma, a rare form of cancer, music icon, Olanrewaju Fasasi, popularly known as Sound Sultan, has been remembered for his impact on the music industry. In a tribute, creative professional and cultural advocate, Babatunde Odubanwo, described him as “an entertainer, a cultural architect, a conscience in rhythm, and a griot of the modern era”. In a statement shared with Sunday Scoop, he wrote, “From his earliest days on the scene, Sultan distinguished himself by refusing to follow the crowd. He fused afrobeat, hip-hop, highlife, and reggae into a sound that was unmistakably his own. His lyrics, often humorous and sharply observant, dared to speak uncomfortable truths about inequality, corruption, violence, and everyday survival in Nigeria. With songs like Mathematics, Motherland, Broke, and Ghetto Love, he combined wit and wisdom with a deep empathy for the common Nigerian. His breakout hit, Jagbajantis, was both a political statement and a cultural awakening. He used music not just to entertain, but to educate. “A graduate of Geography from Lagos State University, Sound Sultan was equally at home on stage as he was in the studio. His role as “Melvin” in Campus Queen, directed by Tunde Kelani, showed his dramatic depth, bringing to life a socially conscious student whose beliefs mirrored Sultan’s off-screen truth.” “His talents were again on full display in Jungle Story, the groundbreaking Afro-urban musical originally conceived by Lagbaja and later reimagined by Segun Adefila’s Crown Troupe of Africa. Odubanwo further listed the movies Sound Sultan featured in, such as Head Gone, and The Secret of the Money; as well as the popular television series, Flatmates. According to him, the late entertainer had the rare ability to move fluidly between satire and sincerity, always grounding his performances in a deep understanding of Nigerian life. Digging into the life of the man behind the artiste, Odubanwo wrote, “Off the stage, he was a devoted husband and father. He married his longtime partner Chichi Morah, who converted to Islam and became Farida Fasasi in 2009. Together, they raised three children. He was also a prolific collaborator and mentor. His creative kinship with 2Face Idibia became the stuff of legend. Together, they crafted many classics, and partnered in youth empowerment campaigns.” The economist and cultural advocate also noted that Sultan was a mentor to a new generation of artistes through his Naija Ninjas collective, a music and arts movement co-founded with his brother, Dare Fasasi (Baba Dee). Artistes such as Karma, Blackah, Young GreyC, Seyi Shay, Josh2Funny and Bella Shmurda benefited from his guidance. He concluded, “Four years after his death, the space he occupied in the industry remains uniquely his. There are louder voices now, bigger stages, flashier productions, but none with quite the same mix of intelligence, mischief, compassion, and integrity. Sound Sultan showed us that art could be both a weapon and a balm, a mirror and a microphone. He lived, not for applause, but for purpose. “So, we remember him today, not in mourning but in gratitude. Rest in peace, Sound Sultan. Your music lives on. Your spirit endures. And your truth, still echoed in rhythms, refrains, and resistance will never be silenced.

A United States of America-based Nigerian music critic and writer, Olumide Akinlolu, professionally known as Oyebanji Akins, has been inducted as a member of the prestigious Recording Academy, the organisation responsible for selecting Grammy winners based on merit. The Academy extended a warm welcome to Akins in an email which was sighted by Sunday Scoop, acknowledging his contributions to the music industry and encouraging him to actively participate in fulfilling the organisation’s mission. His induction follows his invitation to the Recording Academy’s 2025 New Member Class. Speaking on the recognition, Akins said, “Being invited to join the Academy is incredibly meaningful to me. It’s recognition of my work, my voice, my commitment to the music industry and culture at large. It’s not just an honour, it’s a responsibility to contribute, represent diverse perspectives, and help shape the future of music on a global stage.” “For someone like me, whose journey started from grassroots storytelling and music criticism, this recognition feels like validation that my efforts to bridge cultures and elevate African and Black voices are making an impact.” Akins, who is the founder of Connecting The Dot Africa, added that it motivates him to keep pushing boundaries, amplifying artistes, and ensuring that the richness of Nigerian (African) stories are seen and respected worldwide. Above all, it’s a reminder that dreams, no matter where they start, are possible. I’m grateful to be part of a community that values creativity, integrity, and the power of music.” As a member of the academy, Akins has the opportunity to celebrate peers’ achievements throughout the Grammy Awards process, spotlighting excellence across genres and communities.

Twenty-six-year-old Gloria Nweke, who was born with one arm, shares with TEMITOPE ADETUNJI her journey of defying stereotypes, working in a funeral home and advocating disability inclusion Can you describe the kind of life you were living before the incident that led to the amputation of your hand? I’m from Mgbakwu, Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State. I’m 26 years old and work as a sales representative in a funeral home, where I’ve learnt to appreciate the value of empathy and understanding. ’m also passionate about advocating disability inclusion through my Facebook page, Disability Awareness, where I share my experiences and raise awareness about the challenges faced by people with disabilities. I was born with one arm, so there’s no incident to report. Growing up, I learnt to adapt and navigate the world in my own way, developing unique strategies to overcome challenges and achieve my goals. At what age did you first become aware that you were born with one arm, and how did that realisation shape your early childhood experiences? I was 19 when I became fully aware, but it wasn’t a big deal since I was already grown. It made me realise that some people with disabilities aren’t as fortunate as I am. What was growing up like for you? Were there moments you felt different or isolated because of your condition? Growing up wasn’t really an issue. As a child, I didn’t feel different. But as an adult, yes, there have been moments. I found it easy to make friends as a child. I was outgoing and sociable. How did your family, especially your parents and siblings, respond to your condition? Would you say they were supportive? My family has been incredibly supportive. They’ve always treated me like any other member of the family. They made me feel like I’m no different from anyone else. I’m the second-to-last child in a family of five. Are you a graduate? Yes, I am. I graduated from the Federal Polytechnic Oko in 2024. My educational journey has been a significant milestone in my life, and I’m proud to have achieved this despite the challenges I’ve faced. I’m excited to apply the knowledge and skills I’ve gained to make a positive impact in my community and beyond. I studied Library and Information Science. Life after graduation has been a mix of challenges and opportunities. While it’s not easy, I’m staying positive and focused on my goals. Since I haven’t participated in the National Youth Service Corps programme yet, I’m still navigating the next steps in my journey. What gave you the inspiration to go to school? My inspiration to pursue education came from my family’s emphasis on the importance of learning and personal growth. I believe education is the key to unlocking my potential and improving my life, and I’m determined to make the most of it. What are some of the challenges you’ve faced as someone living with a disability? I faced stigma and stereotypes. There’s still a lot of misconception about disability and ability. Many people didn’t understand or believe in my capabilities. Did you go through moments of depression, self-blame, or anger? How did you cope? During my time in the polytechnic, I became more aware of my disability and faced challenges that made me question my abilities. However, I’ve been fortunate to have a supportive family and friends who’ve helped me emotionally and otherwise. Their encouragement and understanding have been instrumental in building my confidence and resilience. Was there anyone or anything that gave you the strength to keep going? My dreams, passion for advocacy, and desire to share my story have given me the strength to keep going. I believe that by sharing my experiences, I can inspire and empower others to embrace their uniqueness and speak up for their rights. What’s the most hurtful thing someone has said or done to you? Someone once made a hurtful comment about my appearance, suggesting that I should dress in a way that covers up my disability. While it was painful, I’ve learnt to focus on positivity and surround myself with supportive people who appreciate me for who I am. How do you handle societal bias, stares, or even pity from strangers? I’ve grown accustomed to societal bias and stares, and I’ve developed strategies to handle them. When necessary, I take the opportunity to educate people and clear up misconceptions about disabilities. I’ve also learnt to differentiate between genuine interest and mere curiosity. Have you ever felt like you had to prove your worth more than others because of your disability? Yes, I’ve often felt the need to prove myself, especially in professional and social settings. However, I’m working on building confidence and showcasing my abilities, rather than constantly trying to prove my worth. In what ways has this experience changed your life positively or given you new purpose? My experiences have given me a strong sense of purpose and driven me to advocate disability inclusion. I’ve realised that my unique perspective and experiences are valuable assets in creating a more inclusive and accessible society. Do you think people see you differently now—and how does that make you feel? Yes, people now notice my courage and abilities, and that motivates me to continue to inspire others. It’s fulfilling to see that my efforts are making a positive impact. Have you received any recognition or support from people or organizations that helped boost your confidence? My family and well-wishers have been supportive, and their encouragement means a lot to me. Their recognition and support have boosted my confidence and motivated me to continue advocating disability inclusion. How did living with a disability affect your relationships? I’ve become cautious in relationships due to people’s misconceptions about disability. I’ve encountered individuals who made assumptions about my abilities or treated me differently because of my condition. As a result, I’ve learnt to be selective and prioritise relationships built on mutual respect and understanding. Do you feel society sees amputee women differently when it comes to beauty or desirability? Unfortunately, yes. Many people hold misconceptions about women with disabilities, viewing us as less capable or less desirable. This can be damaging to our self-esteem and confidence. What would you say to people who think someone with a disability can’t find love or raise a family? That’s a misconception! People with disabilities can lead fulfilling lives, find love, and build families. We deserve the same opportunities and respect as anyone else. How has living with a disability in Nigeria been? It’s challenging, but I’m working to create awareness and push for inclusivity. Nigeria still has a long way to go in terms of accessibility and support for people with disabilities. Have you found yourself being a voice or source of hope for others living with disabilities? Yes, I’m trying to be a source of hope and inspiration for others. I believe that by sharing my story and advocating disability inclusion, I can make a positive impact. What changes would you love to see in Nigeria regarding accessibility and support for amputees? I would like to see improved infrastructure, such as wheelchair-accessible buildings and public spaces. I would also like to see increased education and awareness. Are there enough resources and opportunities for people with physical disabilities in this country? Unfortunately, there are not enough resources and opportunities for people with physical disabilities in Nigeria. While there are some organisations and initiatives working to support people with disabilities, more needs to be done to address the unique challenges we face. I would like to see increased investment in accessible infrastructure, education, and employment opportunities tailored to people with disabilities. Many people shy away from working in funeral homes. What inspired you to take on this role? Honestly, I didn’t initially plan to work in a funeral home. After graduating from secondary school, I faced many rejections from various job applications and was desperate to find something meaningful to do. I’ve never been comfortable being idle, so when the opportunity came up, I took it. Looking back, it turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Working in a funeral home has been a deeply impactful experience that has helped shape me into the person I am today. Has working with families of dead people changed how you see life? Yes, working around grieving families has definitely changed how I view life. It made me realise how fragile and unpredictable life can be. I’ve learnt to value every moment and appreciate the people around me more. Seeing families go through such emotional times has taught me empathy, patience, and the importance of being present. It’s also made me more aware of how essential it is to live a meaningful life, because nothing is guaranteed. Do you ever feel emotionally drained? How do you cope with the difficult aspects of your job? Yes, I do feel emotionally drained at times. Working in a funeral home means constantly being around grief and loss, and that can take a toll emotionally. However, I’ve learnt the importance of finding a healthy ways to cope. I try to maintain balance by spending time with loved ones, talking to people I trust, and taking quiet moments for myself to reflect and recharge. I also remind myself that I’m playing a meaningful role in helping families through some of their hardest moments, and that gives me a sense of purpose that keeps me going. How do clients and colleagues react when they see you—a person living with a disability—confidently handling such an important job? Has anyone tried to discourage you? At first, many clients and colleagues are surprised to see me, a person living with a disability, confidently handling such a demanding and sensitive job. Some have even advised me to quit, saying the work isn’t suitable for someone like me. While I understand their concerns may come from a place of care or misunderstanding, I’ve never let that discourage me. Instead, it motivates me to keep proving that my disability does not define my abilities. Over time, as people see my dedication and how well I perform my duties, their attitudes usually shift to respect and encouragement. I take pride in challenging expectations and showing that I belong in this role just as much as anyone else. What’s the most memorable experience you’ve had while working in the funeral home? One of the most memorable experiences I’ve had was driving the ambulance for the first time. It was a big moment—not just for me, but for everyone who knows me. People in my area, especially my family, were both shocked and proud. It’s something they still talk about to this day. For someone living with a disability, taking on such a responsibility broke a lot of expectations and assumptions. It was more than just driving; it was a powerful moment that showed how far I’ve come and what I’m capable of. That experience gave me a huge confidence boost and reminded me that no role is beyond my reach if I’m willing to work for it. Many people have assumptions about those who work in funeral homes. What are some of the biggest misconceptions you’ve encountered? One of the biggest misconceptions I’ve encountered is the belief that strange or supernatural things happen around funeral homes, like people thinking the dead get up to eat or make noises at night. Some even believe we perform mysterious chants or rituals. These assumptions are mostly based on fear, movies, or cultural myths. In reality, working in a funeral home is a professional and respectful job. We focus on giving the deceased a dignified farewell and supporting grieving families. There’s nothing spooky about it—just a lot of compassion, responsibility, and care behind the scenes. What advice would you give employers about including and supporting persons living with disabilities? My advice to employers is to look beyond a person’s disability and focus on their abilities, strengths, and potential. People living with disabilities are just as capable, hardworking, and committed as anyone else—sometimes even more so, because we often have to work twice as hard to prove ourselves. Inclusion isn’t just about hiring us; it’s about creating a supportive environment where we can thrive. That means providing reasonable accommodations, listening to our needs, and treating us with the same respect and expectations as other employees. When given the opportunity, we bring unique perspectives, resilience, and dedication to any workplace. When you look back at how far you’ve come, what makes you most proud? When I look back, what makes me most proud is that I never gave up—even when things were difficult or when others doubted me. After facing many rejections, I took a job that many people didn’t expect someone like me to do. What started out as just a way to stay busy became a meaningful career. I’m proud of how much I’ve grown, how I’ve challenged stereotypes, and how I’ve proven that having a disability doesn’t define my potential. Most of all, I’m proud that my journey can inspire others to keep pushing forward, no matter the obstacles.

Forty-nine-year-old Ghanaian cinematographer, Arnold Arnong, narrates to AJIBADE OMAPE the circumstances surrounding the death of his sister, Freda Arnong, who was abducted and mercilessly beaten by a one-chance syndicate in Abuja Can you briefly tell us how related you are to the deceased? I’m the elder brother of Freda Arnong, the one-chance victim. We have been in Nigeria, precisely Abuja, since 2006. We are from Ghana. My sister is a businesswoman, while I am in the IT industry. I teach, and I’m also a media person. I am a cinematographer, so I am also in the media space. My sister was 45 years old, and I am 49 years old. How did you hear about the unfortunate incident? On July 1st, it was just like a normal day. I think I was editing a video at home around 11 pm when I got a call from my in-law in Canada, that my sister had an issue at the hospital. I was told she was going home when she entered a one-chance vehicle. My in-law asked me not to panic, because she was in stable condition. I was curious how he got to know. When the incident happened, I think the vigilante who picked my sister up by the roadside around the stadium area went through the contact she had written in a book. It happened that her boss’s phone number was there. So, they called her boss, who then called my in-law in Canada, and my in-law called me. That was how I got to hear about the matter. What was your initial reaction when you heard about it? So, because my in-law had told me that my sister was in stable condition, I did not panic; I was calm, although I knew the severity of the situation because a month earlier, a colleague of mine had suffered the same fate, where everything was collected from her and she was also severely beaten. She survived it. So, I wasn’t too bothered; I was thinking everything would be okay. Can you tell us how the rest of your family heard about what happened to Freda on July 1st, and how they reacted to it? So, because Dad is late and my mum is very emotional, I did not say anything to her. My younger brother is in Ghana with her, but I did not say anything because I knew what the reaction would have been, and we were thinking that my sister would be well, although some other members of our family who were not resident in Africa knew. So, we decided not to tell them until Freda got well and was able to tell the story, but that wasn’t to be. When Freda was taken to the ICU after three days, when she was having complications, I then informed my younger brother, and even warned him not to tell my mum, because it might cause a little bit of friction. We were hopeful that she would be okay. But after two days in the ICU, when she passed on, we had no choice but to let her know. But I wouldn’t be the right person to do that, so we informed the elders at home to go and tell my mum about the unfortunate incident that had just taken place. Of course, you know the reaction of a mother who has an only girl in her family. When the news was broken to her, she couldn’t take it. She had to sleep over at the hospital because her BP was high, and things were happening in her body, so she had to sleep at the hospital and come home the next day. Freda was reportedly abducted around 7:00 pm and found near midnight. Was it unusual that she had not returned home, and did the family try to locate her during that period before hearing of the incident? She doesn’t come home late. When she goes out, maybe when she goes to church, when church closes, she’s at home. She doesn’t stay out. My sister is not that social a person like that. Either she goes for her business meetings and comes home, or goes to church and comes back home. She doesn’t stay late, so it was unusual for us not to see her after 7 pm, then 8, 9, 10 pm, and it went on and on. It was unusual. Did your sister have any immediate red flag that could have prevented her from boarding that particular vehicle? I think the red flag would have been seeing two men at the back, and you still entered the vehicle. But mind you, maybe it has happened before, so from the benefit of hindsight, you know that it’s not harmful to just enter a car when you see two men, because maybe consistently, you have taken vehicles where there were two men and nothing happened. Did she narrate all of this to you before she passed on? Yes, she did. It was not conjecture. I did not guess those things. You said that X-rays and scans revealed multiple broken posterior ribs, lung lacerations, kidney damage, internal bleeding and injuries to her eyes and heart. Do you think these injuries were the cause of her death, or do you think she died from the trauma or something else? I think she died from the injuries. I don’t think it was the trauma. It was the injury because her body was broken. It was not the trauma. You mentioned that Freda’s only ‘crime’ was living in a beautiful city with a broken system. What specific aspects of the system do you believe failed her the most? We all know that the first duty of the government is to secure its people. If you can’t secure your people, then it’s as good as not having a government. So, when you are living in a beautiful city and you cannot be secure, it’s like the ostrich that hides its head in the sand, and its whole body is outside and thinking it’s hiding. It’s not. Our politicians are busy defecting and moving to different parties, while the masses are suffering and are being killed, and they don’t know where to run to. So, while the politicians are doing their thing, the citizens are also suffering. Everything failed my sister; security, transportation, because I believe that when you are building a system, you must make it foolproof. Even if it’s not 100%, you must make it foolproof. I don’t understand why in a city like this, you don’t have a good transportation system; you don’t know how to identify drivers and vehicles. I can comfortably drive through this city with two different number plates on my vehicle, and nothing will happen. I have been in this city since 2006, and I think I fairly know the in and out of this city. If I want to beat the system, I know exactly how to beat the system. I am a Ghanaian who is law-abiding. Did you report the incident to the police, and how would you describe the police response? Yes, I reported to the police, and let me be straightforward. We reported to the local police station at Maitama. So, because there was an interest in the case, they moved the case to the FCT CID Police. Then we were taken to an office. I think the head of the police there just said, ‘Oh, this is an unfortunate incident.’ He minuted on the case file and transferred it to another unit. We went to the unit, and we narrated the thing. But I didn’t see urgency. It was like we have been immune to death, we’ve heard death several times, so this is just one of those things that happen every day. Their body language, lackadaisical attitude and all. They were sitting relaxed. Nothing emotional; the urgency with which they ask you for money to do things is quicker than the way they responded to the complaint. It’s just like we’ve all been immune to death. Today we wake up and terrorists have killed 200, they have killed 100. So, it’s something we have heard several times. So, when terrorists kill 20, and the police are interviewing people, they will say, ‘Even this is better, because they only killed 20’. It is as if killing one is better than killing 20. We have some good policemen who are doing this job very nicely, but we have some people in the police who are not supposed to be there. I don’t know why you bring crude, unpolished vagabonds into the police. I don’t think you should have people like that in the police. They pretend to work while the government pretends to pay them. So, that is just it. Has any investigation begun, and has it yielded results? To the best of my knowledge, they have not started anything. Maybe they have started, but I have not been told. But judging from what I saw at the station, I can confidently say they have not even started. I didn’t personally report the matter; it was my sister’s boss who reported the matter, because the Ghana Embassy is involved. So, they reported the matter and moved the case to the FCT headquarters. What role has the Ghana Embassy played since this incident took place? They’ve played a very key role. They are on the matter. I think they’ve written to the Foreign Affairs Ministry, they’ve written to people who matter in this country too. So, they’ve written to the relevant agencies to look into the matter. How did the news of her abduction and death affect her husband and children? My sister is not married, and she has never been married. How has Freda’s death impacted your family emotionally and financially? It has affected a lot because it is not easy to treat a patient who has been battered and beaten. Medical supplies and medical consumables are very expensive, especially when it has to do with organs, internal bleeding and all. The consumables you need to solve those problems are very expensive. So, if you don’t have money and you have a problem like that, the patient will just die the same day the patient goes to the hospital. We spent a whole lot of money. We lost count of what we spent. What immediate steps would you like to see the government or transport regulators take to ensure commercial vehicles are safer for commuters? There should be a formal identification and verification system for every vehicle. Then we should know the identity of every driver. Anytime you enter a public transport vehicle, it’s like you have been blindfolded and asked to go home. That’s what it means. When you are blindfolded and asked to cross the road, it’s dangerous. That’s what it means, because I don’t know the driver and the vehicle. Anybody can paint any vehicle and put it on the road. Instead of transport unions fighting among themselves and scampering for positions and brutalising drivers on the road, I think they should divert their attention to where their members will be able to be verified by the public. Our agencies responsible for road safety should also come up with ideas that will make transportation services safe for everybody. You can’t just register a vehicle without knowing the person. At times, you register the person, and the person doesn’t have a NIN or a driver’s licence. Then you allow them to drive. These things will keep happening if you don’t take steps to address them. As a foreigner who has been in Nigeria for years, would you say you are disappointed in the system? Well, it’s a yes and no answer. The system itself, I would be a hypocrite if I sit here and say that the system has never helped me, and that would be telling a lie. The system has also helped me, and the system has disappointed me. So, I will not sit here and say that the system is a total disappointment, no. There have been a few failures here and there. But the disappointment, I believe, outweighs the advantages.